We invite you to pray with our community as we prepare for the General Chapter of our Order, the Bernardines of Esquermes (Bernardine Cistercians). This is the meeting of Sisters from our communities throughout the world, who are elected to form the highest governing authority of the Order.
“The General Chapter is a spiritual and ecclesial event which should be lived by the whole Order, in a sincere attitude of conversion, and whole-hearted search for the will of God. It is carried out in a climate of prayer and fraternal charity filled with the hope of a renewal in the Spirit.” Constitutions 169
These meetings normally take place every 6 years, but this one has been postponed since 2020 due to travel restrictions and difficulties of obtaining visas, caused by COVID-19. Last month the members of the General Chapter agreed to hold their assembly by video conference. The Church is allowing this exceptionally, due to the pandemic. Meetings will begin in April.
Prayer for General Chapter Lord God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, Send on us your Holy Spirit of power, love and wisdom, so that during our days of meetings we will faithfully accomplish your will, for your glory and the service of your church.
Enlighten us by your light. Give us a humble, peaceful and simple heart. Place within us an intelligence that understands your designs and a will that submits to yours. Keep us one in unity and fraternal communion, so that we will know how to listen to each other and help each other to discern the truth that is in Jesus Christ.
Watch over our words, bless our work, Direct our deliberations, inspire our decisions. Help us to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary, ever faithful to your word and actions. Help us to recognise you, we pray, as Lord, living among us, through Jesus-Christ, our Lord. Amen
